WEEKLY column by Stroud District Council leader Catherine Braun

This year for Black History Month in October, we’re asking families of Black World War II veterans to share their stories, to give future generations a better understanding of the service that thousands of Black veterans gave to their country (email rise@stroud.gov.uk)

Looking back, it’s hard to believe that people who were not of `pure European descent’ were prohibited from enlisting to serve in the armed forces until 1939, with this restriction being lifted for the duration of the war.

I hope these local stories will inform and inspire, as we look ahead to Remembrance Day, when we honour the work of the armed forces community, both serving personnel and veterans, and their families.  

Housing is on the agenda for the Strategy and Resources Committee this week, with investment proposed in four new homes for homeless people, thanks to great work by our Housing Team in winning extra grant funding, on top of the funding for 20 homes we’ve already secured through the Local Authority Housing Fund.

The council will contribute to these house purchases, which also cover new homes for Afghan families that will be available for council housing in the longer term. 

Council funding is also on the agenda, with the council’s budget strategy up for discussion. 

Funding for local government has declined sharply in recent years with our core spending power now 21% lower in real terms than in 2010. Just over half of the council’s income is from Council Tax, with nationally-set business rates, and government grants making up the rest. I hope the Chancellor will provide support for our vital local services in her upcoming budget.

Finally, for community projects and rural businesses, there is still time to submit your application for funding to the Stroud Funding scheme (30 October) www.spacehive.com/movement/stroud and the Rural England Prosperity Fund (8 November) www.stroud.gov.uk/business/support-for-business/rural-england-prosperity-fund/”